Search and You Shall Find

Bilingual libraries by themselves are not as common as one would hope. A wonderful example would be the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library in San Jose, CA which will be celebrating 15 years serving the Latino community this November 15, 2014.

Bilingual bookstores, not simply small corners within a Barnes and Nobles, are also rare. Through research two successful, thriving bilingual bookshare/bookstores with similar demographics as Stockton, CA are Libros Schmibros, in Los Angeles, CA in the heart of the Boyle Heights neighborhood and La Casa Azul Bookstore in East Harlem, NY.

Ethnic museums fortunately are more common. Several long standing museums include The Mexican Museum in San Francisco, CA, The African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) in Oakland, CA and the California Historical Museum in San Francisco, CA. Such museums, those that are focused on a specific culture, are rare however in the San Joaquin Central Valley areas.

Stockton deserves to have similar resources available to families and scholars eager to learn of the Latino heritage. 

If you believe this as well, please continue to support our project, share the news and let Stockton City Officials know!

Support is Motivating

Support continues to grow for a bilingual library and museum in Stockton, CA. One of the first people, outside of my family, I shared my idea with was Stockton Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina of District 5. District 5 includes the Fair Oaks Neighborhood, the area of Stockton which desperately needs a library.
From that first day, as I excitedly shared my idea, to now having a written formidable plan, Dyane has been helpful, patient, and most of all encouraging.

Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina speaks to a crowd 

at the Put Stockton First Kick Off on February 1, 2014. 

Stepping out with an idea can be intimidating. During this process, there have been lulls, delays and set backs. But it's all a part of a learning process. Each pause was a moment to look at the successes and progress of other worthy causes in my community, such as Put Stockton First. These moments reassured me that all projects take time but I need to keep moving forward! 

Thank you Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina for your support and motivation! 

Planning and Puzzles

Planning a project is like working on a puzzle; you can only go so far with the pieces you have. Today's planning meeting began at the Stribley Park Community Center in Stockton, CA. Another step in the right direction, and another piece to our puzzle is set into place. Progress toward a bilingual library and museum continues!

This is the latest in a series of meetings held since April, 2014. We have the full support of our district area Councilwoman Dyane Burgos-Medina. We have a resourceful grant writer, Nathan Werth, committed to helping our project. We have direct support of several teachers, school administrators and businesses in this area not to mention the countless family and friends who have cheered on this process from the beginning.

I will post regular updates to our progress in the coming days. I admit maintaining a blog is a juggling act. I applaud all Bloggers out there for the work they do! It's not as easy as it looks.

Take a peek....

I was so excited to have a look inside the Fair Oaks Library building! My worst thoughts were all put to rest when I walked in and looked at the awesome condition this 9,900 sq ft building is still in. It seems to be quietly waiting for the day it can reopen its doors to families again.

Of Biblioteca San Joaquin Murrieta Library

After asking many questions among my family and friends, I was introduced to another person here in Stockton who also shares the idea of a bilingual library. Richard Soto, not only has an extraordinary collection of Latino Chicano historical books, but also valuable artifacts, music and movies. His long time vision is shared through his website - Biblioteca San Joaquin Murrieta Library

It is a wonderful learning experience working with Mr Soto. He explains the library name "Biblioteca San Joaquin Murrieta Library" is a play with words combining our County name "San Joaquin" and the historical figure "Joaquin Murrieta".

With his help, not only can we begin to build a bilingual library, we can also share our Latino history through art and music in a museum-like atmosphere.

I am grateful he has agreed to being a partner in reviving the Fair Oaks Library!